Excited states of ${}_{}{}^{17}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ up to an excitation energy of 15 MeV have been studied by high-resolution electron scattering for momentum transfers between 0.8 and 2.6 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{-}1}$. Previous electron-scattering measurements in this excitation region were confined to momentum transfers below 1.1 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{-}1}$ and were of lower resolution. Form factors were measured and reduced transition probabilities determined for most excited states below 9.5 MeV. The present data are interpreted within the framework of weak-coupling models to facilitate a simple description of the observed spectrum. Particular emphasis is placed upon understanding states that are excited strongly by electric quadrupole or octupole transitions. Spins and parities have been assigned for several levels that have very narrow widths and, hence, are not amenable to partial-wave analyses involving the ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}$O+n and ${}_{}{}^{13}{}_{}{}^{}$C+α reactions. Levels at 5.87 MeV (${(3/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$), 6.86 MeV (${(5/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$), 7.58 MeV (${(7/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$), and 8.47 MeV (${(9/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$) are suggested as candidates for predominantly 5p-4h members of a $K^{\pi }$${=(3/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$ rotational band. A narrow state (Γ≤20 keV) at 12.22±0.02 MeV was observed for the first time and the existence of narrow states at 8.90±0.02 and 14.72±0.02 MeV was confirmed.

• Received 30 January 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.36.1700